Moana 2: Release date, plot, cast, trailer & more

Eleni Thomas
Moana 2 image

Moana 2 has been confirmed by Disney, with the surprise sequel coming much sooner than most expected. So here is everything we know about the upcoming animated sequel ahead of its imminent release.

Disney may be busy with the likes of Star Wars and Marvel, but they are still focused on continuing to create animated films of their own, following up on recent standouts over the years like Frozen, Inside Out, and now Moana too.

And while we knew a live-action Moana was in the works, it’s now been revealed that Moana 2 is also on the way and set to arrive sooner rather than later.

The first Moana film, which hit theatres in 2016, was a massive hit for Disney and was both a commercial and critical success. Can the follow up match that? Here’s what we know so far.

Contents:

Moana 2 release date: When will it come out?

Moana 2 is set to release in theaters on July 10, 2026.

Moana 2 header

It was originally scheduled for November 27, 2024, then June 27, 2025, but it was announced on April 5 that the release date had been pushed back to 2026. It has not been confirmed when the new movie will then make its way to Disney+, however we’ll be sure to keep you updated when this is announced in full.

Moana 2 plot: What will the sequel be about?

The sequel will see the titular hero embarking on a new adventure to Oceania, along with Maui and a new team of explorers.

Moana stands by a palm tree in Moana

While the exact details about the upcoming film are still largely unknown, Disney did release an official synopsis of the film alongside the brief announcement trailer.

The full synopsis for the new movie reads as the following:

“Walt Disney Animation Studios’ epic animated musical Moana 2 takes audiences on an expansive new voyage with Moana, Maui and a brand-new crew of unlikely seafarers,” the official description reads. “After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced.

Directed by Dave Derrick Jr. with music by Grammy winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, Grammy nominee Opetaia Foa’i, and three-time Grammy winner Mark Mancina, Moana 2 opens in theaters on Nov. 27, 2024.”

Who will be in the Moana 2 cast?

Auli’i Cravalho will return to lend her vocal talents to the role of Moana once more, as will Dwayne Johnson in his role as Maui.

Johnson has spoken about his excitement for his return for the sequel, but it remains to be seen what the new movie will mean for the live-action Moana and Johnson’s apparent involvement in that.

As for the rest of the voice cast, little has been announced so far, with Cravalho and Johnson the only ones confirmed for the film. One thing we do know, though, is that Lin Manuel Miranda will not return.

Is there a Moana 2 trailer?

Disney released a very brief teaser trailer for Moana 2 in February 2024, and you can watch that right here.

And that’s all you need to know about Moana 2 before it arrives in theatres on November 27, 2024. For more from Disney, check out what we know about the rumors of an Emperor’s New Groove live-action movie, or look ahead to the new movies that have us excited, like Frozen 3, Toy Story 5, and Inside Out 2.

About The Author

Eleni is a Melbourne-based journalist. Having completed her Bachelor's in communication (Journalism) at RMIT University, Eleni is now a Senior Writer for the Dexerto Australia team. A big Nintendo fan (with a Triforce tattoo to prove it) and a lover of the zombie genre, Eleni covers gaming, entertainment as well as TV and movies for the site. She is also passionate about covering Queer and female representation. Contact Eleni at eleni.thomas@dexerto.com